Mains issueGS-2News & Analysis04 October 2026

India's Hydropower Development Strategy: Geopolitical Context and Energy Security

An aspirant should be able to analyze India's hydropower development strategy in J&K, considering its energy security imperatives, geopolitical implications, regional development potential, and the role of renewable energy initiatives within the broader context of Centre-UT cooperation and international treaties.

Source: thehindu.comOriginal report

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Why now

The Centre is actively considering new hydropower projects in J&K, including Sawalkot, in the backdrop of the Indus Water Treaty being in abeyance and Pakistan's objections, highlighting India's push for energy security and resource utilization in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Core issue

The Centre is actively considering new hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir, including the Sawalkot project on the Chenab River, with Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighting their role in meeting national power demands. This push comes in the context of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty being in abeyance following the 2025 Pahalgam attack and Pakistan's objections to such projects. Other major projects like Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Kwar are also progressing well with full support from the J&K UT administration. The article also notes J&K's significant hydropower potential (14,500 MW) and its progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, achieving a 100 MW milestone.

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